Application Priority Deadline: 15 August 2026
Are you passionate about ecology, rangeland conservation, or natural resource management? North Dakota State University (NDSU), USA is inviting applications for a Master of Science (MS) Graduate Research Assistantship 2026 (Graduate Research Assistantship 2026) focused on juniper encroachment in the Badlands ecosystem of North Dakota.
This funded graduate opportunity offers a $25,000 annual stipend, hands-on field research experience, and the opportunity to contribute to conservation efforts that directly impact rangeland sustainability across the United States.
About the MS Assistantship
Juniper encroachment has become one of the most significant threats to North American grasslands. As woody plants continue to spread across rangelands, they reduce forage availability, threaten wildlife habitats, increase wildfire risks, and can negatively affect freshwater resources.
To better understand these impacts, the School of Natural Resource Sciences (SNRS) at North Dakota State University is seeking a highly motivated graduate student to study how forage production responds to juniper removal across North Dakota’s Badlands.
The research project is funded through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the North Dakota Natural Resources Trust, providing students with the resources and support needed to conduct meaningful ecological research.
The successful applicant will join a collaborative research team that includes faculty members, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and research specialists.
Assistantship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Annual stipend of $25,000
- Full-time graduate research assistantship
- Opportunity to pursue an MS degree at North Dakota State University
- Summer field housing provided near Medora, North Dakota
- Extensive field research experience
- Collaboration with leading conservation scientists
- Opportunities to publish research in peer-reviewed journals
- Professional development through scientific conferences and extension outreach programs
- Flexibility to develop additional research questions within the project
Research Responsibilities
The selected graduate student will:
- Lead their own master’s thesis research
- Evaluate forage production following juniper removal
- Conduct vegetation and ecological field surveys throughout North Dakota’s Badlands
- Analyze ecological data
- Communicate research findings to ranchers, conservation professionals, and stakeholders
- Present research at scientific conferences
- Publish results in peer-reviewed journals
- Participate in community outreach and extension activities
Fieldwork will primarily take place during the summer, with university-provided housing available throughout the field season.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should possess:
- A Bachelor’s degree in:
- Natural Resources
- Ecology
- Rangeland Management
- Environmental Science
- Biology
- Botany
- Wildlife Science
- or another closely related discipline
- Strong work ethic and motivation
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- A valid driver’s license
- Ability to lift approximately 50 pounds
- Ability to hike more than 2 miles across rugged terrain
Preferred Qualifications
Competitive candidates may also have experience with:
- Plant identification
- Vegetation sampling
- Grassland ecology
- Rangeland monitoring
- Scientific writing
- Working with landowners or conservation professionals
Applicants may be asked to submit samples of previous scientific writing during the interview process.
Required Application Documents
Combine the following into one PDF or Word document:
- Cover letter explaining:
- Relevant experience
- Qualifications
- Career goals
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
- Unofficial academic transcripts
- Contact information for three professional references
How to Apply
Email your complete application package to:
Dillon Fogarty
Email: dillon.fogarty@ndsu.edu
Required Email Subject:
MS Assistantship: Juniper Encroachment
Applicants with questions about the position are encouraged to contact Dillon Fogarty using the same email address.
Important Dates
- Application Priority Deadline: 15 August 2026
- Final Application Deadline: 31 December 2026 (or until the position is filled)
- Program Start: Between 24 August 2026 and 17 May 2027
Since applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, early submission is strongly recommended.
Why Choose This Opportunity?
This graduate assistantship offers much more than financial support. Students will gain practical field research experience while working on one of the most pressing ecological challenges affecting North America’s rangelands.
Participants will collaborate with experienced researchers, engage with conservation practitioners and ranchers, publish scientific research, and build valuable professional networks that can open doors to careers in academia, government agencies, conservation organizations, and environmental consulting.
If you’re looking for a graduate program where your research can create measurable environmental impact, this assistantship provides an outstanding platform to begin your career.
Application Link
Applicants can learn more about the School of Natural Resource Sciences by visiting:
North Dakota State University – School of Natural Resource Sciences
https://www.ndsu.edu/snrs
